"On my part, I remain committed to the process of dialogue. It is my firm belief that dialogue and a willingness to look with honesty and clarity at the reality of Tibet can lead us to a viable solution."

Dalai Lama to join prayers and fast for Tibet

August 26, 2008

Canadian Press
August 24, 2008

DHARMSALA, India -- The Dalai Lama will join Tibetan exiles around
the world in a 12-hour prayer service and a symbolic fast to fight
against oppression in the world, especially in Tibet, a statement
from the Tibetan government-in-exile said.

"It will be one of the most important nonviolent campaigns by the
Tibetan Solidarity Committee to get support from the world community
for world peace and fight against oppression in the world in general
and particularly in Tibet," a statement issued Friday said.

Samdhong Rinpoche, prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile
and a high-ranking lama, called the Aug. 30 event an "extremely
important nonviolent action taken by Tibetans under the leadership of
His Holiness the Dalai Lama in a very critical period for Tibet,
particularly the post-Olympic period."

The Dalai Lama has been vilified by Chinese authorities who blame him
for recent unrest in Tibet which Beijing says was part of a campaign
to split the Himalayan region from the rest of China.

The Dalai Lama has denied the allegations, saying that despite
China's harsh crackdown on the demonstrations that erupted in the
Tibetan capital of Lhasa in March, he only wants greater autonomy for
the Himalayan region to protect its Buddhist culture.

Dharmsala in India has been the headquarters of Tibetan exiles since
the Dalai Lama fled there after an abortive uprising against China in 1959.

While many Tibetans opposed China's hosting of the Olympics, the
Dalai Lama said that he supported the Beijing Games.